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Guo Wei's supposedly secretive search operation did not truly become a secret in Kaifeng, a capital city still filled with countless eyes.

In this chaotic world, especially in the center of power, who among those who can survive is not a shrewd and cunning person?
Even the slightest breeze or rustling of the grass can reveal a hint of something.

The first to notice the anomaly were the former civil officials who had surrendered and were eager to gain a foothold in the new dynasty, as well as some well-informed local powerful families.

They discovered that several of Guo Wei's closest confidants, such as the commander of the guards Guo Zhong and the steward of internal affairs He Zheng, had been acting strangely lately.

Instead of handling military and civilian affairs at the headquarters, or attending to Guo Wei, he often went in and out in plain clothes, frequently wandering around the refugee areas, dilapidated temples, and abandoned houses in the inner and outer cities. He seemed casual, but his eyes were sharp, as if he was looking for something.

They also secretly contacted some local bullies and beggar gang leaders, and even doctors in clinics, asking similar questions: Have you ever seen a boy who is fourteen or fifteen years old?

He might not be in good health, and he might be dressed like a beggar, but upon closer inspection, he doesn't seem to come from a poor background.

It appeared in the city about a month ago?

Although these actions were taken with care, in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, combined with the rumors that Guo Wei's entire family had been murdered, except for the body of his third son, Guo Xin, which had never been found, a shocking speculation gradually emerged.

Guo Wei's third son, Guo Xin, may not be dead!
He might have escaped! Guo Wei is secretly looking for him now!
This speculation was like a drop of cold water falling into a pot of boiling oil, instantly stirring up countless reactions in the upper echelons of Kaifeng.

Different people, due to their different positions and interests, made different judgments and responses.

The reaction from Guo Wei's direct military clique, led by Wang Jun and Wang Yin, was the most nuanced.

In a secret room of his mansion, Wang Jun listened to his confidant's report and remained silent for a long time with a gloomy expression.

"The Third Young Master... might still be alive?" Wang Jun murmured in surprise.

"General, this is just speculation; there is no concrete evidence yet," the confidant whispered.

“There’s no smoke without fire.” Wang Jun sneered. “General Guo is acting so discreetly, he must already have some confidence in his abilities. But… why is he keeping it from us?”

At this moment, a hint of displeasure and vigilance flashed in his eyes.

You should know that Wang Jun was the most meritorious minister in Guo Wei's uprising, and he considered himself Guo Wei's most trusted right-hand man.

Now, Guo Wei is secretly searching for his son, bypassing him, which makes him feel distrusted.

More importantly, if Guo Xin really comes back alive, the situation will become complicated.

Guo Wei has no biological son. Although his adopted son Chai Rong is outstanding, he is not his biological son. These veterans have a psychological advantage when facing Chai Rong.

But what if a young, biological son suddenly appears...?

Who will be the heir in the future?

How should these military generals, who were closer to Chai Rong, conduct themselves?

"Send men to keep an eye on things as well," Wang Jun finally ordered, his voice icy. "But remember, just observe, don't interfere, and don't let Guo Linggong's men find out. I need to know if this is true, and... who will ultimately capture the person."

It's about the same on Wang Yin's side.

They were also displeased by Guo Wei's concealment and filled with doubt about Guo Xin's possible appearance.

"Investigate secretly, and report to me immediately if you find any clues. But remember, do not act rashly, and do not let it be known that it is our people investigating."

"promise."

These military commanders unanimously chose to observe the situation and refrain from taking action until the situation became clear.

Another group, such as some mid-level officials and local tycoons who had always maintained a distant relationship with Guo Wei's group, had completely different ideas.

"This is a tremendous opportunity!" a mid-level civil official eager for advancement said excitedly to his staff. "If we can help Lord Guo find his lost son, what a great achievement that would be! It would be like supporting the emperor's ascension to the throne!"

"Master, this matter is also very risky. Everyone is watching, and whether the child is dead or alive, and whoever he ends up with, is anyone's guess," the advisor warned.

"Fortune favors the bold! Give the order to have our men secretly search, especially those places frequented by all sorts of people. We know them better than those soldiers! Once we have any information, immediately apprehend the person and then... secretly deliver them directly to Lord Guo!" The official's eyes gleamed with the light of a gambler.

For them, Guo Xin's life or death was not the issue, but rather a rare "treasure".

Finding and presenting it first is a tremendous achievement and a stepping stone to advancement.

Of course, there were also those who had old grudges against Guo Wei, and they plotted in secret in dark corners.

"...We absolutely cannot let that kid see Guo Wei alive!"

"If Guo Wei has no heir, he can either pass the throne to his adopted son or be adopted from within the clan. In either case, the future situation will likely be favorable to us. If he has another biological son, Guo Wei's foundation will be even more solid."

"Find it! We'll find it too! We'll find it before Guo Wei, and then..." The person speaking made a throat-slitting gesture.

These people may be few in number, but they are the most vicious and their actions may be the most reckless.

As for Feng Dao, who was on the edge of the vortex, he naturally also received word of it.

After listening to the butler's cryptic report, he simply held his teacup, gently blew on the floating leaves on the water, and his face remained expressionless.

"Oh? Is that so?" He spoke in a flat tone, as if listening to a trivial gossip.

“Master, should we… also keep an eye out for this? Perhaps it’s an opportunity,” the butler cautiously probed.

Feng Dao put down his teacup, looked out the window, and after a long while said, "Opportunity? It could also be disaster. The Guo family's affairs are very complicated. Our Feng family opens its doors to guests but closes them to guests. We should just do our duty. We should ask less and get less involved in outside affairs."

The steward immediately understood, "Yes, sir. I will give the order that no one in the manor is allowed to discuss this matter or inquire about it privately."

Feng Dao nodded, picked up his teacup again, and said nothing more.

But deep within those eyes, which had seen so much of life, a faint trace of contemplation flickered.

On the surface, Kaifeng City appeared calm under Guo Wei's strong control, but beneath this calm surface, countless undercurrents were beginning to surge and churn because of a boy who "might be alive."

It's no longer just Guo Wei's confidants searching for the missing person; various forces, both overt and covert, have extended their reach.

An invisible net was quietly cast, its target the boy named "Guo Xin".

At this moment, Su Ning was still cautiously observing and lingering outside the Feng residence, unaware that he had become the most sought-after and most dangerous "prey" in the eyes of countless important figures in the capital.

Those people never dreamed that Su Ning would appear in the inner city, and even secretly observe Feng Dao's house from the doorstep.

He needs to be more careful with every step he takes, because any oversight could lead him to a completely different situation.

Whoever sent them back to Guo Wei's side naturally had different circumstances, since everyone's political demands were different.

Therefore, he, as a "rare commodity," must find the most suitable ally, an ally who can enable him to completely control the Northern Zhou in the future.

……

After observing the area around the Feng residence for several days, Su Ning finally found a relatively safe opportunity.

Every morning, a regular mule cart would enter the Feng residence through the back gate, delivering the day's fresh vegetables and fruits.

The driver was a kind-hearted middle-aged vegetable farmer who was very familiar with the old man guarding the back gate. They would chat for a few words each time they handed over their duties.

The guards were used to the vehicle and conducted their inspections perfunctorily, usually just glancing at it under the tarpaulin before letting it pass.

That morning, just as dawn was breaking, the vegetable delivery truck arrived on time at the back alley of the Feng residence.

As usual, the vegetable farmer greeted the old man and handed him a few fresh cucumbers. "Brother, these are fresh today, with blossoms and thorns still on!"

The old man chuckled as he took the goods and then helped unload them.

Just as the two were not paying attention to this, a small, thin figure quietly emerged from behind a pile of firewood in the shadows of the alley, and swiftly and silently slipped under the mule cart like a raccoon...

There was a narrow space made of a frame and ropes, just big enough for one person to curl up.

That figure was none other than Su Ning.

He had thoroughly researched the vehicle's structure and route beforehand, and had also observed the habits of the vegetable farmers and the old man for several days.

At this moment, Su Ning held his breath and used both hands and feet to cling tightly to the crossbeam under the car.

"Alright, go in!" The old servant pushed open the back door with a smile on his face.

The vegetable farmer thanked him, led the mule cart, and slowly drove into the backyard of the Feng residence. The wheels rolled over the threshold, causing a slight jolt.

Suning's heart was in his throat, but thankfully he didn't give himself away.

After the mule cart entered the backyard, it stopped in an open area near the kitchen.

The vegetable farmer, along with the old servant and the cook who came out after hearing the noise, began unloading the goods, their laughter and chatter emanating from outside the truck.

While they were carrying the vegetable baskets with their backs to the back of the car, Su Ning quickly slid out from under the car and rolled behind a pile of unused baskets, using the shadows to conceal himself.

The entire process took less than three breaths and went unnoticed.

Then he crouched behind the basket and quickly surveyed the backyard.

The place was relatively messy, with a lot of miscellaneous items piled up, and several servants were busy, but the overall atmosphere was indeed as perceived from the outside, exuding a cautious and low-key demeanor, rather than being heavily guarded.

He recalled observing Feng Dao's walking route.

The back garden is connected to this backyard by a covered walkway.

Using the pillars, rockery, and flowers as cover, Su Ning stealthily made his way towards the back garden.

The Feng residence wasn't particularly large, and they quickly made their way to the vicinity of the garden.

From afar, in the garden pavilion, a thin old man dressed in simple everyday clothes appeared to be slowly practicing a kind of health-preserving martial art, his movements gentle and graceful.

Only one old servant stood quietly by his side.

That is my target for this trip, Feng Dao!

Suning took a deep breath, knowing he had no way out.

He straightened his tattered but carefully tidied "beggar's clothes," wiped his face, trying to make himself look less like an assassin or a madman, and then walked out of his hiding place towards the pavilion, walking slowly and deliberately.

He didn't run, he didn't shout, he just walked past calmly, as if he was meant to be there.

The old servant was the first to spot Su Ning. He immediately stepped forward warily, blocking Feng Dao's path, and hissed, "Who goes there? How dare you trespass into the inner courtyard?"

At the same time, they were already preparing to call for guards.

At this moment, Feng Dao also stopped what he was doing and slowly turned around.

However, when he saw that the person who came was a ragged beggar, his gray eyebrows twitched slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed across his face, but he quickly returned to his usual calm and composed state.

Feng Dao did not immediately tell the old servant to call for help. Instead, he raised his hand to stop the old servant and carefully examined Su Ning, who was approaching step by step.

The fact that it could appear silently in its own backyard speaks volumes.

Moreover, the young beggar's eyes... were too unusual. They lacked the numbness or cunning of a typical beggar, instead displaying a composure that seemed incongruous with his age and circumstances, even carrying a hint of scrutiny.

"Young man, how did you get in? What brings you here?" Feng Dao's heart skipped a beat, and he had already roughly guessed the other party's identity.

Su Ning stopped a few steps away from the pavilion and bowed according to the etiquette of the time. “I have offended you, Master Feng, but I am truly desperate. There is something that concerns my life and also the future of the Central Plains, and I have no choice but to tell you in person.”

Instead of revealing his identity immediately, he threw out a prelude.

A glint of light flashed in Feng Dao's eyes.

"Is it a matter of life and death? The future of the Central Plains?" Feng Dao repeated in surprise, his gaze sweeping over Su Ning's face as if trying to see through the grime to the essence of the matter.

What is the future of the Central Plains that you speak of?

Su Ning raised his head, looked directly into Feng Dao's eyes, and said, word by word, "My childhood name is Yi Ge'er, my surname is Guo, and my given name is Xin. My father's name is Wei, and he currently resides in the Xingyuan."

"Guo...Xin?!" Even though Feng Dao was as shrewd as a fish out of water, he had already made a prediction in his mind, and his face instantly showed undisguised shock!
Then he took a sudden step forward, staring intently at Su Ning, "You...you say you are Guo Xin? The third son of the Privy Councilor Guo? What proof do you have?!"

The old servant beside him was also stunned, staring incredulously at the little beggar in front of him.

“I have no token. My mother simply hid me in the well, and I have nothing of value with me,” Su Ning said calmly, beginning to recount details that only core members of the Guo family might know: his mother Zhang’s given name, his father Guo Wei’s last words at home before leaving the capital, the shape of his elder brother Guo Tong’s favorite jade pendant, and even the characteristics of the old locust tree outside his study window…

He spoke slowly and carefully, his tone filled with suppressed grief, but his logic was clear.

As Feng Dao listened, the shock on his face gradually turned into a complex expression.

These details could not have been fabricated by outsiders, especially by a little beggar.

Combined with the recent rumors of Guo Wei secretly searching for someone, the identity of the person in front of us can almost be confirmed.

Feng Dao remained silent for a long time, his gaze lingering on Su Ning's face, which was dirty but could not hide his handsome features. He then looked at the old wounds and new scars that were faintly visible under his tattered clothes, and finally let out a long sigh.

“I understand.” Feng Dao’s voice returned to its calm tone, but with a touch of solemnity. “Third Young Master…you have suffered. You must have thought this through before coming to me.”

"Lord Feng, you are wise." Su Ning bowed again. "I have no other request but that you, Lord Feng, take me to see my father. With your wisdom, you should know why I did not go directly to the headquarters."

Feng Dao gave Su Ning a deep look.

This child not only survived, but was also so shrewd, knowing how to avoid danger and seek good fortune, choosing himself, a seemingly neutral old minister, as a bridge...

Or rather, he chose the old civil service group behind him. How could this mentality be like that of a fourteen-year-old child?
"Come with me now, change into clean clothes and wash up." Feng Dao did not agree immediately, but turned to the old servant and instructed, "Prepare hot water and clothes, the most ordinary kind, so as not to attract attention. What happened today is what you said and what you heard, and you must not let the sixth person know about it."

"Yes, sir!" The old servant immediately bowed and acknowledged the order.

An hour later, Su Ning, who had washed up and changed into an ordinary servant's old clothes, was led by Feng Dao into an inconspicuous blue cloth carriage.

Feng Dao accompanied him personally, only bringing his trusted old servant to drive the carriage.

Instead of heading to the main compound where Guo Wei handled official business, the car went around to a secluded small gate at the back of the compound.

Feng Dao was clearly very familiar with the terrain. After handing over his name card and a special waist tag, the guards respectfully let him pass, and someone immediately went in to inform them.

Soon, Guo Zhong, the trusted guard commander beside Guo Wei, came out to greet him personally. When he saw Su Ning next to Feng Dao, he was stunned for a moment, then his pupils shrank and his breathing became rapid!

Guo Zhong clearly recognized Guo Xin's appearance, even though Suning was much thinner now and his demeanor had changed.

"Prime Minister Feng...and this is..." Guo Rong's voice trembled slightly.

Feng Dao said in a low voice, "Commander Guo, quickly take us to see Lord Guo, and we will know everything."

Without saying a word, Guo Zhong immediately led them through layers of sentry posts to a quiet room with extremely heavy defenses.

Pushing open the door, I saw Guo Wei standing by the window with his back to the door, seemingly troubled by something.

"My lord, Prime Minister Feng has important business to discuss, and... he's brought someone with him." Guo Zhong's voice was filled with excitement.

Guo Wei turned around, and when his gaze fell on Su Ning's face behind Feng Dao, he was struck dumb as if by lightning!
That face... though thin, though bearing the marks of hardship, those eyebrows, those features... were clearly his Third Brother Guo Xin!
His memory of his son and the face of his deceased wife, Zhang, overlapped!
“A letter… a letter?!” Guo Wei’s voice was hoarse and broken.

He staggered forward a few steps, reaching out his hand as if to touch it, yet fearing that what he saw was just an illusion.

Looking at the tall man with graying temples before her, Su Ning felt the lingering emotions of the original owner surge into her heart like a burst dam, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

He then knelt down, choking back tears as he cried out the original owner of this body's unwavering will, "Father...your child...your child has returned!"

That one word, "Father," completely shattered Guo Wei's defenses.

This once-powerful commander could no longer contain himself. Tears streamed down his face as he tightly embraced his kneeling son, his rough hands trembling as he stroked his son's hair and back, as if to confirm that he was truly flesh and blood.

"My son...you're still alive...you're still alive! Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes!" Guo Wei cried like a child, releasing all the strength he had been holding back and the excruciating pain of losing his loved one at this moment.

Feng Dao and Guo Zhong quietly stepped aside, bowing their heads in silence.

In the quiet room, only the father and son's cries and whispers of relief and heartbreak at their reunion after the ordeal remained.

Having survived countless life-and-death experiences, and traversed conspiracies and chaos, Guo Xin, the third son of the Guo family, finally returned to his father Guo Wei's side in such an unexpected and thrilling way.

However, beneath the joy of reunion lies an even more complex and unpredictable power struggle and an uncertain future.

...(End of this chapter)